- Health officials in Pueblo County, Colorado have confirmed the first human case of the plague in the region. On Tuesday, June 9, Pueblo County Public Health officials announced that a resident had been diagnosed with the plague after a four-day investigation based on preliminary test results.

The bacteria responsible for the plague, Yersinia pestis, is known to naturally circulate among wild rodents and is transmitted through fleas. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that individuals can contract the plague either by being bitten by an infected rodent flea, such as a rat flea, or by handling an infected animal. Health officials also cautioned that exposure to sick pets, particularly cats, can also lead to infection.

Symptoms of the plague include fever, chills, severe headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, a general feeling of sickness, and swollen, painful lymph nodes. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a favorable outcome.

The historical significance of the plague is well-documented, with its devastating spread throughout Europe in the 1300s, resulting in the deaths of nearly a third of the continent's population.

This recent case highlights the importance of public health measures in monitoring and responding to infectious diseases. Health officials in Pueblo County are actively taking steps to prevent further cases and to ensure the safety of the community.

As this is the first reported case of the plague in Pueblo County, residents are urged to take necessary precautions, such as avoiding contact with sick or dead animals and using insect repellents to prevent flea bites.

Please note: This article only provides information based on the limited details provided in the text. For more comprehensive and up-to-date information, it is recommended to consult official sources such as the CDC and local health authorities.